Meet Dr. Alecia Bracy: Championing Diversity and Inclusion at Central Piedmont

Central Piedmont Community College is proud to spotlight Dr. Alecia Bracy, our dynamic Vendor Diversity Program Specialist. With her profound expertise and dedication, Dr. Bracy is at the forefront of fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and equity.

Dr. Bracy’s Journey:

  • Academic Excellence: Armed with a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, her research delved into the workplace experiences of underrepresented groups.
  • Corporate and Consulting Leader: Brings a wealth of corporate experience in learning and leadership development, alongside being a founder of a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Central Piedmont Mission: Focuses on enhancing the participation of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) in providing services to Central Piedmont.

Her Vision and Impact:

  • Diversity Advocate: Dr. Bracy is passionate about creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels valued.
  • Educational Contributor: Before her current role, she served as a part-time Continuing Education staff instructor at Central Piedmont, further affirming her commitment to education and career development.
  • Community Leader: An active volunteer, mentor, and leader in several organizations focused on social justice, women of color, and community service.

Accolades and Contributions:

  • Presidential Member: National Society of Leadership and Success.
  • Award Winner: Recognized for her academic achievements and impactful community service by various organizations.
  • Small Business Advocate: Works closely with Central Piedmont’s Small Business Center to provide opportunities and resources for small, underrepresented businesses.

Why Dr. Bracy’s Work Matters:

  • Inclusive Growth: Her efforts ensure that diversity and inclusion principles are woven into the fabric of Central Piedmont’s operations and culture.
  • Bridging Gaps: By connecting underrepresented businesses with vital resources, she helps strengthen the community and promotes economic equity.

Dr. Bracy’s Reflections:

“Central Piedmont offers a role that aligns perfectly with my passion for diversity and inclusion. Contributing to an environment where everyone feels valued brings me immense satisfaction,” Dr. Bracy shares.

Looking Ahead:

Dr. Bracy’s dedication to making a difference resonates throughout Central Piedmont and the broader community. Her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is paving the way for a more inclusive future at Central Piedmont Community College.

 

Beyond Barriers: Explore Diversity with Disability and Access Services

Cato Campus labCentral Piedmont Community College’s Disability and Access Services extends an open invitation to all students. Join us for a unique event designed to deepen your understanding of the disability community through engaging and interactive activities.

Event at a Glance:

  • Date: Tues., March 26
  • Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Locations:

Why Attend?

  • Interactive Experience: Participate in activities that offer insights into diverse experiences within the disability community.
  • Community Engagement: Connect with fellow students and broaden your perspective on inclusivity and diversity.
  • Educational Opportunity: Learn more about the resources and support available through Disability and Access Services at Central Piedmont.

Be Part of the Conversation: This event is more than just an opportunity to learn; it’s a chance to engage, ask questions, and contribute to an inclusive campus culture.

College Partners with BCBS of North Carolina to Build Diversity in Insurance Industry

image of central Piedmont logo and blue cross blue shield of North Carolina logoThrough a partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Central Piedmont Community College has received $211,485 to provide scholarships to develop a more diverse and inclusive talent pool of trained and licensed individuals for the insurance production and sales industry. The goal of the partnership is to increase access to underserved populations and communities by diversifying the pool of licensed insurance agents.

Central Piedmont will use the funds to offer scholarships to 26 students per year for five years to cover the cost of insurance pre-licensing courses provided by the college plus licensing exam fees and NC Department of Insurance fees. As scholarship recipients, students also will receive instruction through the “Working Smart: Essential Skills for Workplace Success and Career Development” program and wrap-around services, including interview preparation, additional academic and career counseling, and small business counseling.

Scholarship eligibility is open to persons who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Black
  • Hispanic
  • Bilingual – English-Spanish
  • Female
  • Age 18-49
  • Workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Persons in transition – leaving high school or college, or looking to make a career change.

Interested individuals can apply to the program starting in May. Successful applicants will be notified in July, with classes beginning in late-August.

“Central Piedmont is so appreciative of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for making such an investment to advance diversity in the field of insurance agents,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “We know this program will generate much interest and provide another pathway at the college that will lead to rewarding and family-sustaining careers with great opportunities for advancement, perhaps even business ownership.”

For more information, contact Hunter Smith, director of Central Piedmont’s James R. Worrell Sr. Financial Services Institute, at 704-330-4685 and hunter.smith@cpcc.edu.

Inclusive Leadership Keynote Conversation on February 10

audience of studentsDeveloping spaces where we all feel valued and respected is vital to any strong leader. Please do not miss this week’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion event.  The Inclusive Leadership virtual keynote will raise awareness on why it is so important that we all are more intentional in creating and maintaining an inclusive culture. We will learn: 

  • What is the business imperative for inclusive leadership?
  • What are the key characteristics of an inclusive leader? 

This keynote is for everyone! Leadership is not tied to a formal position or title; therefore, we ALL can develop our capacity to be inclusive leaders.  Keynote participants are inspired to develop the skills of an inclusive leader.  Join us February 10th 10:00am to 11:30am. 

Register today and reserve your seat! 

Join the Student Equity Diversity and Inclusion Council

All current Central Piedmont students are eligible to participate; students can already be a member of an organization. If you have any questions, then contact Dr. Charles Mitchell or Katrina Johnson.
Purpose:  
  • Centering equity to create access and aid in the development of student success
  • To empower students who may not have a history of a voice focused on equity at the college
  • To foster a space for learning
  • To support and guide strategies that work to serve students’ equity needs
Fill out the Interest Form by October 16th: https://forms.gle/q4b7xStDKYYZf8Tf8